Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's quirkier cities, known for its pop culture, live music scene, and tasty hole-in-the-wall dives. Also a go-to destination for female otaku, Ikebukuro is an area that shines as much with anime culture as it does with fine arts. You'll find something new no matter how many times you go here! Come along as we introduce 10 spots where you can experience its charm.

1. Ikefukuro: The go-to spot when meeting people in Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro's popular meeting place is none other than the bronze owl statue called Ikefukuro. It's near the north ticket gate in JR Ikebukuro Station, and makes it easy to meet up with people even when raining because it's indoors. Since it's within the vicinity of the station, try to go to Ikefukuro as soon as you get off the train.

Sunshine 60 Street is a street that heads toward the Sunshine 60 skyscraper from Ikebukuro Station. Since it's in the middle of Ikebukuro's downtown, the street is crowded with colorful people during both day and night. This street is also popular with people who want to go shopping, because there are clothing stores, restaurants, game centers, and more nearby.

3. Experience internet livestreams at Niconico headquarters

This is the showroom for Niconico Douga, one of Japan's most popular video streaming services! Niconico allows individual users to host live broadcasts, and they also provide various anime and gaming shows catering to die-hard fans streamed live over the internet. Niconico headquarters' studio is the one responsible for these live broadcasts. Aside from being able to watch public live broadcasts of some of the programs, they also have cafes and event spaces with power points and Wi-Fi, as well as shops which sell original merchandise. Try to get a peek at their internet broadcasting office.

4. Check out Japan's rakugo culture

Rakugo is a type of humorous storytelling which depicts the daily lives of townspeople, fairy tales, and more. This is an old tradition which has been loved in Japan since the Edo period. Ikebukuro Engei-jo is a place in Ikebukuro where you can enjoy rakugo. Chair seats are available, so you can sit for a long time without trouble. Let yourself get sucked into the world created by the rakugo storyteller.

5. Go to the cafe which is popular with fujoshi

In Japan, manga and novels on same-sex relationships are called BL (Boys Love), and girls who like these works are called fujoshi. This is a shop popular with these so-called fujoshi. Staff are dressed in school uniforms and there's a unique service called Moso Coupling Pocky, where male staff eat a Pocky stick together.

Ikebukuro Danshi Boys Love Gakuen

池袋男子BL学園

Address3-9-13 Higashiikebukuro , Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013, Japan

6. Spend a romantic time under the stars

This planetarium is equipped with the latest projection technology, which enables you to see a beautiful starry sky. The establishment is known for its elaborate music and presentation, which makes for a great experience no matter how many times you go. Aside from normal chairs, you can also lie down on their lawn chairs, or roll around on their cloud-shaped sofas. You'll want to come visit for the incredible views of the night sky.

7. Rougan-Megane Museum: Be amazed by this wall of reading glasses!

This shop, which is a renovated glasses wholesale store, has a whole wall lined with reading glasses. First time visitors will receive a free pair of glasses, and reading glasses are sold for 48 JPY, while bifocals go for 195 JPY. They also sell stands for glasses, as well as sunglasses for affordable prices, so this is the place where you can get your hands on glasses-related items for a good deal.

Rougan-Megane Museum

老眼めがね博物館

Address3-16-9 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0022, Japan

8. Slurp noodles at Mensoubou Mutekiya: One of the more popular ramen shops in town!

Ikebukuro is a contested battle ground for ramen shops. Among these many shops is one where the lines of people never seem to die down know as Mensoubou Mutekiya. This shop sports various kinds of noodles you can enjoy like the thick, rich tonkotsu, soy sauce-based genkotsu noodles, and tsukemen, which is noodles dipped in soup, among others. During crowded times, you can be waiting in line for an hour, but since this is their only shop, you will definitely want to brave the wait and try a taste of these dishes.

Mensoubou Mutekiya

麺創房無敵家

Address1-17-1 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0022, Japan

9. Experience genuine art: from classical music to theater performances!

Aside from a concert house equipped with the world's largest pipe organ, a playhouse for theater and dance, and two small theaters, this compound cultural facility is furnished with a gallery, practice rooms, and more. The establishment also has a cafe, restaurant, and shops, which all have free Wi-Fi. Various events are held intermittently in the plaza in front of the theater.

10. Try touching this impressive piece of architecture

This is the famous structure designed by the American master architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a classical, elegant building, which has been deemed an important piece of cultural heritage. The furniture, lighting, and doors that were built for this House of Tomorrow are striking from every angle. You might want to go here if you like buildings, and savor the dignified environment.